SR514: SR514 Autism Acceptance Month; recognize April 2025

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate marking April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2025 as World Autism Awareness Day. The resolution's whereas clauses describe autism spectrum disorder, the value of early screening and intervention, and therapies such as applied behavior analysis, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. It then formally states that the Senate recognizes these observances and commends organizations, advocates, and families working to create a more inclusive world for people with autism. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

• Formally recognizes April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month in Georgia.
• Formally recognizes April 2, 2025 as World Autism Awareness Day in Georgia.
• Commends organizations, advocates, and families who work to support people with autism.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

This resolution speaks to Georgians with autism spectrum disorder, their families, and the organizations and advocates who support them, though it creates no new legal rights, funding, or obligations for anyone.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law, it does not change funding, services, or rules for people with autism in Georgia. Its practical effect is symbolic recognition intended to raise awareness and encourage acceptance.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe autism spectrum disorder and the importance of early screening, diagnosis by age four, and interventions like applied behavior analysis and speech therapy.
• The resolved clause formally recognizes April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2025 as World Autism Awareness Day.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available for public and press distribution.

1. 2025-04-02Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-03-31Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)Primary sponsor
• Brandon Beach (R, SD-021)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Colton Moore (R, SD-053)
• Ed Setzler (R, SD-037)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)

• autism awareness
• disability advocacy
• Georgia Senate resolutions
• health observances